Of Dragons and Queens . . .
I’ve been thinking a lot about sovereignty lately. Of the ways in which my drive to be free, to have authority over my own life, has shaped my choices over the past sixty years.
And of the ways in which this longing for sovereignty, for freedom, collides with the seductive whispers of sedition. Those internalized voices that say: If you don’t bow your head in submission, just a little, you’ll lose your livelihood; friends; lovers; children; colleagues; security . . . whatever my reptilian brain believes I need to survive.
It’s an uncomfortable and uneasy negotiation. My soul knows with absolute certainty that my work is to be fully myself, and to help others be fully themselves. To bring my genius and capacities to bear in shaping a world that draws each of us into full, creative engagement with life. To make my life a journey of joy that embraces and enhances all of us.
My soul knows this.
And then there’s that old dragon that squats in a corner and breathes gusts of fire to protect its hoard. Somewhere in the dim recesses of its labyrinthine mind, it’s protecting its sovereignty too. Except that the old reptile operates on instincts that were honed in the age of the saber-tooth tiger.
Its vigilance kept the species alive when to fight, run away, or die were the only choices. Now that the world around us seems to be regressing to the eat-or-be-eaten world of our ancestors, now that our homes and livelihoods are threatened by economic collapse, by distant wars and the threat of terrorism, the dragon rises again.
This past week, I met the dragon face to face—in an encounter with someone else’s dragon, in response to which my own rumbled and lashed its tail. I experienced the ways in which I lose my sovereignty when I allow the dragon—in myself as much as in anyone else—to govern my actions.
So this week’s lesson on sovereignty was about the seditionist in me. In the words of the immortal Pogo (of comic-strip fame): “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
Except the dragon is not my enemy. Just an old friend who’s set in his ways. Who responds to love, as all beings respond to love. Who’ll sleep peacefully once he knows he’s safe.
Sovereignty comes from knowing that I have the power to choose the qualities I bring to my life. It’s setting clear boundaries, not by putting up walls but by generating a field of love and kindness, of generosity and compassion that governs my inner kingdom. And makes it safe for all its inhabitants. For the dragon too.
On January 6th I’ll begin teaching a four-month program in which we’ll work on developing Sovereignty–among other things–as one of the essential qualities for living a free and creative life. And for growing a successful business. The program is called Become Your Own Business Adviser. You can read more about it here.
How about you? What are the qualities of your inner kingdom today? If they’re not what you want them to be, you can change them. You’re the sovereign of your life. How will you choose to live it?
Get updates with RSS
Get updates via email
Follow me on Twitter
My LinkedIn profile
Oh yes… I do love that image of the dragon, and the idea of keeping the kingdom safe.
My own dragon, my seditionist, was my adolescent self that was left in charge way back when, and no one came to let her off the hook for years. I finally learned I had to step in and tell her she was okay, I got this, and all she had to tell was tell me when she was scared, rather than wreak havoc.
It’s seemed to work, but has taken some time.
Gina Loree Marks´s last post … i’m too sexy for this post
Twitter: HiroBoga
Gina, I’m glad your adolescent self feels safe enough to tell you when she’s scared, so you can take over and handle things that she can’t.
Hiro Boga´s last post … Of Dragons and Queens . . .
Twitter: victoriashmoria
I’m so excited for your new program, Hiro!
The idea of sovereignty has been a huge concept for me this year, and I can’t wait to work on it more with you next year.
I really can’t thank you enough for all you’ve taught me about sovereignty and my inner seditionist.
Victoria Brouhard´s last post … Joining the Ranks
Twitter: HiroBoga
Thank you so much, Victoria! I’m looking forward to our next adventure together! :-)
Hiro Boga´s last post … Of Dragons and Queens . . .
Twitter: havi
Your teachings on Sovereignty are so so exactly what I need. Can’t wait for the course! Yay. Thank you.
Havi Brooks (and duck)´s last post … Boring old me and my pet kangaroo
Twitter: HiroBoga
Thank you, dear Havi! This is going to be so much fun! We’ll have to find a duck-friend for Selma to practice sovereignty with. :-)
Hiro Boga´s last post … Of Dragons and Queens . . .
Hiro!
I love this post and your thoughts on sovereignty. I love the dissonance that comes from our simultaneous sovereignty and intimate connection to all. This IS the heart of it all, isn’t it?
But I had to laugh. I wrote a piece recently on my misguided inner child…I wonder: how many of us were throwing fits last week? Aren’t there days when it feels like we’re all just hanging out @ one big dog park…except, instead of our dogs, we’ve taken our dragons, reptiles and misbehaving children out in public to *play* w/ each other?
Love you and what you’re creating-dragon tempered creations are always the best!
w/ love,
Judy
Judy´s last post … To Slay or To Embrace: THAT is the Question!
Twitter: HiroBoga
A dragon-park! Ha! :-)
Hiro Boga´s last post … Of Dragons and Queens . . .
Looks truly wonderful! I want it. I need it. I could surely use some help in this area, and I think you’d be great to work with.
But…
It also feels a little intense. I’m already teetering on the edge of overwhelm in taking on another responsibility–well, let’s just say internally I sense a couple of interconnecting buttons being pushed.
Which actually is moot, because the day/time slot is a particularly challenging one for me to give up (one of my top earning slots, from someone still in the red…sigh, that was embarrassing to admit ‘out loud’).
Maybe, if this one goes well, there will be other programs with a time/money aspect I can shoulder.
I think (hope?) if I re-read the descriptions I might get a glimmer of some things I can do for myself.
Best wishes, it really does sound lovely.
Twitter: HiroBoga
It’s wisdom to know which things are right for you and to choose those and let go of the rest. None of us can cram in everything without getting a case of indigestion.
When the time is right, what you need will be there for you. Meanwhile, come hang out on the blog. :-)
I’m so glad I was introduced to your blog over at Havi’s! I love what you said about generating fields of positive emotion rather than putting up walls. I’ve been reading about the physiological benefits of this state for the generator and the receiver. And the world :-) So glad that the scientists are finding ways to feel safe in accepting what us intuitives already know :-)
Deb
Blissmonger´s last post … making the world a better place, one electromagnetic field at a time